Although melanin does give darker skin tones some sunprotection, it’s not enough to prevent skin cancer. Not to mention,“With cumulative sun exposure you can see increased fine lines, decreased elasticity, and discoloration, which means, yes, you should wear broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, even if you have a darker skin tone. The trouble is, so many leave a white cast. Here, Lee found (and tested) the best sunscreens for darker skin tones that were made with melanin in mind. And while you’re hunting, don’t forget the lip SPF!

Green Screen Daily Environmental Protector

A blend of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide forms (with an antioxidant boost from echinacea) a shield on the skin that not only blocks the sun’s damaging rays, but also visible light from digital devices (which accelerate aging, too). Prefer mineral based sunscreens or physical blockers that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, because they’re more protective against exacerbation of discoloration and dark spots.

Umbra Sheer Physical Defense

Zinc oxide is the sunscreen gold standard. It blocks a broader range of the sun’s light than titanium dioxide and may be more stable. But zinc’s difficult to formulate into a wearable sunscreen, especially for darker skin, because it’s very whitening. This formula gets it right. It disappears on the skin, even on dark complexions. Mineral sunscreens are particularly helpful for dark skin because they deflect heat which worsens hyperpigmentation.

It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+

This all-in-one cream is powered by mineral sunscreens and is my current go-to. There are shades to match every skin tone, it acts as a concealer, and is oil-free with a matte finish.

Award-winning color correcting cream that works beautifully as your full-coverage foundation, hydrating anti-aging serum and SPF 50+ physical sunscreen. Infused with hydrolyzed collagen, peptides, niacin, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and vitamins, this skin-loving full-coverage foundation reduces the appearance of acne scarring, wrinkles, redness on skin, dark circles under eyes and large pores—all while giving you a luminous, supple, flawless-looking complexion.

Complete Daily Broad Spectrum SPF 30

For dry skin I usually recommend using sunscreens that are hydrating and most facial moisturizers with sunscreen can achieve this. This formula has a mix of chemical sunscreens and zinc oxide. This gentle, lightweight lotion is fragrance-free and features zinc oxide, a gentle mineral sunscreen. It also includes vitamin E and aloe to help maintain healthy-looking skin. Unlike many facial moisturizers with sunscreen, complete all day facial moisturizer with SPF is non-greasy and lightweight. Its oil-free formula leaves skin with a healthy glow which is also perfect for sensitive skin.

SPF 50 Defense Refresh Setting Mist

Lee emphasizes that sunscreen must be reapplied throughout the day (specifically every two hours) to maintain protection. Sounds okay for a day at the beach, but what about a day at the office? Spritz this spray right on top of your makeup—it’ll refresh your look and protect your skin.

Mineral Liplux SPF 30

Lips need sun care, too. Moisturize and protect them with this Coola mineral sunscreen lip balm. Organic beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil give this balm its creamy base while titanium dioxide and zinc do sun-blocking work. COOLA Mineral Liplux with SPF 30 adds a hint of natural color while protecting, nourishing and conditioning your lips. Organic Cupuacu Butter and Mongongo Oil offers incredible creaminess that promotes a special softness and smoothness to boost your lip’s natural moisture and help improve the appearance of aging and thinning skin.

Ultra Sheer SPF 30 Moisturizing Sunscreen

A sunscreen made for women of color. The formula goes on completely clear and gives the skin a pretty glow. Because it hydrates without being greasy or tacky, it’s an effective base for makeup.

Being Oxybenzone and Octinoxate free means you won’t have about toxics disrupting your hormones, and your sunscreen being environmentally friendly. Avocado moisturizes, reduces signs of aging, and treats sunburns. Containing vitamin E and antioxidants is what makes avocado one of the hottest trends in the natural skin care industry. Not only using avocado oil, but eating avocado on a weekly basis can be very beneficial and necessary for your skin. Jojoba soothes and moisturizes the skin leaving it flawless while preventing acne. Hydrating your skin is crucial to skin health and prevents wrinkles and fine lines. Cacao provides powerful anti-oxidants and evens out the complexion of your skin for a smooth, consistent skin tone. Carrot Juice contains vitamin C which enables it to promote healing and even boost the level of melanin in the skin. Carrot juice has been known to even out acne breakouts too. Sun Flower Oil prevents skin irritation from sunburn and other skin irritants. This nutrient-rich oil provides inflammation relief as well.

Forever Young Hand Cream with Sea Buckthorn

Your hands need sun protection, too. While its powered by chemical screens, there’s no oxybenzone. And it has argan oil to moisturize but still absorbs quickly.

Environmental Shield Essential-C Eye Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 15

The eye area is particularly sensitive to the sun’s damaging rays because the skin is thinner and dryer. This eye cream protects with SPF and antioxidant Vitamin C. Treatment ingredients include retinol to increase cell turnover and avocado oil for moisture. Shorea stenoptera butter and avocado oil work together to condition and hydrate for smoother skin.

Caffeine reduces puffiness, retinol supports natural renewal to help restore skin’s youthfulness, and light diffusers soften appearance of fine lines and dark circles. Environmental Shield Essential-C Eye Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 15 / PA +++ is recommended as a Step 3 moisturizer to protect the eye area in any Murad Environmental Shield regimen. It hydrates, smoothes, and shields skin from UV damage to reduce eye area aging as part of Dr. Murad’s inclusive health system of care.

ARE YOU A SUNSCREEN USER? WHAT BRAND IS YOUR FAVORITE SUNSCREEN TO USE ON THE DAILY? Comment down below!